BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve the quality of
oocytes destined for
in vitro fertilization . Although
hydrogen sulfide is capable of modulating
ion channel activity in somatic
cells , the
role of
hydrogen sulfide in
gametes and
embryos remains unknown. Our observations confirmed the hypothesis that the KATP and L-type Ca2+
ion channels play roles in porcine
oocyte ageing and revealed a plausible contribution of
hydrogen sulfide to the modulation of
ion channel activity.
RESULTS: We confirmed the benefits of the activation and
suppression of the KATP and L-type Ca2+
ion channels , respectively, for the preservation of
oocyte quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments identified
hydrogen sulfide as promoting the desired
ion channel activity, with the capacity to protect porcine
oocytes against
cell death . Further experiments are needed to determine the exact mechanism of
hydrogen sulfide in
gametes and
embryos .